www.306cab.com Summer Trip 2013

www.306cab.com Summer Trip 2013
Start:
Day
27-Jul
Date
From
To
Distance
Time
Description
Sat
Sat
27-Jul Wherever
27-Jul Canterbury (ME13 9LN)
Canterbury (ME13 9LN)
Canterbury (ME13 9LN)
???
-
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
28-Jul
28-Jul
28-Jul
28-Jul
28-Jul
Canterbury (ME13 9LN)
EuroTunnel (CT18 8XX)
Calais
Bruges
Luxembourg (2015)
EuroTunnel (CT18 8XX)
Calais
Bruges
Luxembourg (2015)
Luxembourg (2015)
N/A
36.7m
73.9m
198.9m
-
0h 38m
0h 35m
1h 13m
3h 07m
Overnight
Nip down to the Eurotunnel
Eurotunnel to Calais
Drive to Bruges and stop for lunch
Afternoon drive to Luxembourg
Stay at Novotel Luxembourg Kirchberg (Breakfast Included)
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
29-Jul
29-Jul
29-Jul
29-Jul
Luxembourg (2015)
Baden-Baden
Freudenstadt
Elzach (79215)
Baden-Baden
Freudenstadt
Elzach (79215)
Elzach (79215)
163.7m
32.9m
39.4m
-
2h 38m
0h 56m
1h 04m
Overnight
Drive to Baden-Baden at the foot of the Black Mountains
Experience the Hochstraße (As featured in Top Gear)
Visit Freudenstadt if we have time, then over more mountians
Stay at Landgastof Adler Pelzmuhle (Breakfast included)
Tue
Tue
Tue
Tue
Tue
Tue
30-Jul
30-Jul
30-Jul
30-Jul
30-Jul
30-Jul
Elzach (79215)
Cité de l’Automobile
Cité de l’Automobile
Peugeot Museum
Peugeot Sochaux
Neuchatel (2075)
` de l’Automobile
Cité de l’Automobile
Peugeot Museum
Peugeot Sochaux
Neuchatel (2075)
Neuchatel (2075)
52.3m
36.6m
64.1m
-
0h 57m
0h 39m
1h 40m
Overnight
Drive down the mountains to Cité de l’Automobile
Visit the museum and look at the collection of cars
Quick nip to the Peugeot Museum/Site
Spend day at Peugeot museum & production site (incl with Cité)
Mountain drive to Neuchatel lake & hotel (prep for THE pass!)
Stay at Ibis 3 Lacs Neuchatel
Wed
Wed
Wed
31-Jul Neuchatel (2075)
31-Jul Kerzers (3210)
31-Jul Turin (10144)
Kerzers (3210)
Turin (10144)
Turin (10144)
9.8m
197.3m
-
0h 21m Visit to Papiliorama & Nocturama
3h 53m Drive over the Grand Saint Bernard Pass - Italian Job stylee!
Overnight Stay at? (European masters!)
Pininfarina Museum
Pininfarina Museum
Turin (10144)
Turin (10144)
13.7m
12.6m
-
0h 26m
0h 26m
Overnight
Thurs
Thurs
Thurs
Thurs
01-Aug
01-Aug
01-Aug
01-Aug
Turin (10144)
Pininfarina Museum
Pininfarina Museum
Turin (10144)
Fri
Fri
Fri
02-Aug Turin (10144)
02-Aug Monaco
02-Aug La Grande Motte
Monaco
La Grande Motte
Montpellier
169.0m
203.1m
12.7m
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thurs
Fri
03-Aug
03-Aug
03-Aug
04-Aug
05-Aug
06-Aug
07-Aug
08-Aug
09-Aug
Millau Bridge
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Sat
Sat
10-Aug Somewhere near Nimes
10-Aug Nancy (54100)
Nancy (54100)
Nancy (54100)
Sun
Sun
11-Aug Nancy (54100)
11-Aug Calais
Calais
Folkestone
Montpellier
Millau Bridge
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
Somewhere near Nimes
???
Break up the trip for those further afield
Overnight Stay at Travelodge Ashford
Cost
Cost
Cost
(1 adults)
(2 adults)
(2 Ad 2 Ch)
£32.00
£32.00
£26.00 Hotel Info
£122.00
£122.00
£77.00
£77.00
£77.00 Hotel Info
£50.00
£50.00
£66.00 Hotel Info
£9.80
£18.60
£28.40
£122.00 EuroTunnel Info
Peugeot Museum Website
£65.00
£65.00
£91.69 Hotel Info
£10.08
£20.16
£88.00
£88.00
£30.90 Papiliorama Website
More Info
£88.00 unknown
Drive or Public Transport to Museum
Spend day at Pininfarina Collection
Drive or Public Transport to Hotel
Stay at? (European masters!)
??
??
£88.00
£88.00
£88.00 unknown
2h 57m
2h 35m
0h 23m
Drive to Monaco for lunch
Visit this bizarre place on the way through
Stay at the Abbelís Polgon Hotel
£40.00
£40.00
£57.00 Hotel Info
68.6m
11.6m
100.0m
100.0m
100.0m
100.0m
100.0m
100.0m
1h 10m
2h 46m
Overnight
Overnight
Overnight
Overnight
Overnight
Overnight
Overnight
Visit the Millau bridge/viaduct
Drive to Gite
Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
£300.00
£600.00
385.2m
-
5h 53m Enjoy Gite / Day trips / Sunbathe / Beach
Overnight Stay at Cerise Nancy
£30.00
£30.00
N/A
2345.4m
0h 35m
?? Pininfarina Collection Website
£900.00 Based on £3000pw Gite
NOT including security deposit
£30.00 Hotel Info
Return on Eurotunnel at 6pm
EuroTunnel Info
£911.88 £1,230.76 £1,604.99
Requested availability & confirmation of price/deposit
Charming Old House in Uzes
http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR8002.htm
Looks really nice!
Charming Old House, Recently Renovated, Private Pool
Tranquil setting, Close to Good Restaurants and Shops / Markets
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
£3,000
12
£300
Tucked away in a secluded setting, in a small hamlet overlooking farmland and vines, Mas Parasol is a very special
holiday retreat. We have sensitively restored the house in recent years to a very high standard, providing all mod
cons without sacrificing the unique character of the property. The area is full of interest with numerous fine
restaurants within easy reach. Wonderful markets, including the famous twice weekly in Uzes (9kms). Golf, horse
riding, canoeing, are just some of the recreational facilities close by. The hamlet of Garrigues has a bar/pizzeria and a
good restaurant and boulangerie is within a short walk.
Requested availability & confirmation of price/deposit
Farmhouse in Hameau
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR4596.htm
£3,950
12
£395
BIG, nice, old stone farmhouse - too expensive perhaps?
Large Luxury Farmhouse in the Heart of the Cotes du Rhone
Refurbished 250 year old Farmhouse with Private Pool
'Mas de Cadignac' is in the heart of the unspoiled Languedoc-Roussillion, where the French go on holiday. The area
is full of the sights, sounds, tastes and smells that make up the wonderful ingredients to truly fantastic holiday. Being
close to the edge of the Cevennes and some of the greatest French tourist attractions, it's the perfect place to be.
The Department of the Gard stretches from the wild and beautiful mountains of the Cevennes across the Rhone
valley and sweeps down to the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, offering opportunities to experience a
great variety of scenery and lifestyles. Immensely rich in historical sites dating from pre-Roman times to Roman
towns or one of the small, stone-built, medieval villages dotting the hillsides amongst vineyards and fields of
Available and price confirmed :-)
Villa in Baeucaire
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.villaromantique.co.uk/villaromantique%20photos.html
£3,750
12
£375
Looks awesome, 2 ground floor bedrooms, only 2 steps if you walk round the side - nice owner (knocked price down)
Wonderful Hilltop Villa In Provence With Magnificent Private Pool In The Style Of A Roman Arena
And now for something completely different and very special
A stunning hilltop villa and Roman-style pool situated between Avignon, St Remy de Provence, Arles, Nimes and the
Pont du Gard. Built around an old stone tower and renovated with immense style and an abundance of love and
care to provide a very high standard of accommodation combining old style charm and original Provencal features,
with modern day comforts.
NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE!!!
Holiday Home in Collorgues
http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR9747.htm
We like this one, but it is a little more expensive!
Large stone Mas, situated in a charming, quiet hamlet, close to Uzes.
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
£3,450
12
£345
Beautiful recently restored stone farmhouse, furnished to a very high standard. 2 terraces with stone tables, plenty
of outdoor space. Large swimming pool and gardens. Underfloor heating/cooling system, which also serves to heat
the pool to extend the season. Ping Pong table, badmington and bikes available. One of the bedrooms is in an
integral 'gite' with bedroom, shower ,kitchenette and salon with sofa bed, satellite TV etc, which can be part of the
house or used as 'granny' flat. The house has 2 satellite TVs, large fireplace in main salon and telephone line. Well
equipped kitchen and utility.
Requested availability & confirmation of price/deposit
House in Montagnac
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR8729.htm
£1,995
12
£200
Only 1 Family bathroom downstairs (bedrooms 1,2,3,4), and a shared en-suite (bedrooms 5&6)
Large House Set In 2000m2 Grounds In Montagnac, Near Pezenas, Languedoc Rousillon
Close To The Historic Town Of Pezenas And Within 15 Minutes Of The Beach At Meze
This lovely 6 bedroom house sleeping up to 12 people backed by vineyards. The terrace has dining space and relaxed
seating & play area for children, gated 10x5m pool. Ideally located just as you leave the village offering privacy, no
overlooking neighbours and elevated and set back from the main road, yet still within walking distance to the village.
The house offers 2000m2 of enclosed garden and a terrace area which overlooks the pool and garden. An
independent kitchen which leads out on to the veranda where breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed, and leads to the
BBQ.for meals in the garden
La Gebeline
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.french-country-cottages.co.uk/cottages/la-gebeline-f07132?adult=9&child=2&infant=0&pets=0&nights=7&range=0&start=03-08-2013
£2,099
12
£210
Nice and cheap, but 1:30h from beaches! Just too far north maybe?
Set in large grounds and surrounded by vineyards, this charming detached farmhouse is full of character with a
homely feel and a private swimming pool. Located on the outskirts of the pretty medieval village of St Montan with
shops and restaurants, the property is in one of the best areas for wine and nature lovers. A perfect get away from it
all relaxing holiday destination. There are endless pretty villages to visit close by or some fabulous day excursions.
Chauvet cave is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world and a UNESCO site, with cave art paintings
dating from 33,000 years ago. Day excursions could include Montélimar, Orange, Valence, Nîmes, Montpellier and
even Marseille. Spend a day lazing on the golden sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, or exploring La Camargue
nature reserve.
Requested availability & confirmation of price/deposit
House in Belarga, Nr. Pezenas, Herault, Languedoc-Roussillon
http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR3058.htm
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
£2,750
12
£275
Large Character House with Private Pool, Garden and Terrace
In Quiet Village, Pezenas 10 Mins, Beach 20 mins, River 2 Mins Walk
Beautiful 'Maison de Maitre', peaceful location in the village of Belarga. The house was built in 1860 but has been
completely refurbished. The market town of Pezenas is only 12km away and has regular clothes, food and antique
markets as well as many fine restaurants. The beach at Meze is 20km away and other beaches such as Marseillan
and Cap D'Agde are 30 mins drive. The village of Belarga has all the basics (convenience shop, restaurant, bar, post
office) close by and there is a beautiful river (suitable for swimming) with 'beach' and picnic area a few minutes stroll
from the house. The village also has a small playground for young children and a soccer pitch/basketball court and
tennis court.
NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE!!!
West Mill, large country house Languedoc Roussillon with pool
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.gosouthfrance.com/gites/Languedoc-Roussillon/Nimes/West-Mill-large-country-house-Languedoc-Roussillon-with-poolsleeps-6-17-from-%e2%82%ac1100-pw/info.html
£2,620
12
£262
An old water mill with heated pool, river, waterfall & a hot tub! I think this one might be a winner?!?
This large tranquil 18th century country house in Languedoc-Roussillon was a former water mill. The outside of this
large country house in Languedoc Roussillon is a paradise, with a private swimming pool, hot tub, river front, and
waterfall on 10 acres of secluded land. This South of France country house with pool is set in picturesque
surroundings, located 2km from the market town of St-Jean-du-Gard. The West Mill country house in Languedoc
Roussillon provides comfortable accommodation for 6-12 people, although this large spacious house has enough
sleeping quarters for up to 17 adults and children. If you are looking for a large South of France country house in
Languedoc Roussillon with a pool, then you can not do much better than the West Mill. Conveniently located to
explore the sites of Languedoc, Provence and the South of France, this accommodation is perfectly set up for
entertaining a large group
Available - 2 different prices though!
Stone built Provencal "Bastide" with pool for rent in Sommières
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.southfrancevillas.com/property/view/id/GR011A/year/2013
£2,444
14
£244
Looks nice and roomy, great pool, quaint
Charming 18th Century Provencal Bastide for rent near Sommieres, renovated with style and panache, on the
border of Provence and Languedoc. Gated pool.
Bastide Langlade is a charming 18th Century "vigneronne" which combines its authentic origins with modern
comforts.
The house opens out onto a courtyard garden with terrace and swimming pool, with a backdrop of mature trees and
attractive original stone walling.
The 5 individually decorated bedrooms (2 of which have additional single sofa beds) have ensuite bathrooms.
With views across olive groves, vineyards and the "Garrigue" countryside it is an ideal spot to pass away languid days
and if you want to see more Uzes, Nimes, Montpellier, the Camargue and the Mediterranean coast are within easy
Requested availability & confirmation of price/deposit
Countryside stone house 11482sqf of land, private pool, quiet
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p598343a?emailrefid=72&emailcatid=0
£3,065
14
£307
Nice and big, reviews are 5*, very accomodating owners - pool table, ping pong etc!
Unfortunately there is nothing written about it on this site, we did find it elsewhere but can’t find the link now looks very good though, have a look at the reviews (and translate!)
Requested availability & confirmation of price/deposit
Beautifully restored eighteenth century Bastide
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p803804?emailrefid=72&emailcatid=0
Looks nice and roomy, in Pont-du-Gard (aquaduct)
5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, large living area, gourmet kitchen and private pool
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
£2,407
14
£241
The Mas du Marechal is situated right in the centre of the village and has been fully and sympathetically restored,
the emphasis having been on keeping the original features of the house intact while also providing you with every
comfort and luxury possible. The house has been beautifully decorated, is fully equipped and has 5 double
bedrooms with crisp percale bedding, each bedroom having it’s own fresh new bathroom. The house sleeps 10
people comfortably. Small children can additionally be accommodated, totaling a maximum of 14.
The wonderful open plan kitchen is fully equipped with everything you may need. It is equipped to please a gourmet
Requested availability & confirmation of price/deposit
Fabulous Family House with Large Pool and Summer House, Uzes
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3001593
£3,262
13
£326
Lovely terrace, kids stuff, summer house for Pete/Nicky. Anglo-American owners - read more through link
6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms (sleeps 13)
Lovely old house with masses of room inside and out, this property is perfect for a large extended family or for
sharing with friends. Set in the middle of its extensive garden of lawns, trees and flowering shrubs, Mas Escala is
very peaceful, yet is within walking distance of shops, cafes and a market in the lively village of St. Quentin La
Poterie.
Highlights of the property include:
-14 x 6 metre heated pool with electrically operated security cover.
- Two kitchens, one in main house and one by the covered terrace by the pool. Fully equipped and including two
barbeques, and a outdoor terracotta oven - fantastic for cooking fish, pizzas, steaks etc
Available and price confirmed :-)
Cournonterral villa for self catering France
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.golanguedoc.com/accommodation/languedoc-roussillon/sete/large-villa-for-self-catering-france/details.html
£1,614
11
£161
Another nice looking villa, nice and near the beaches/harbour
This tastefully decorated villa for self catering in France, has a large garden and private swimming pool. The villa
comes with 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and can sleep up to 11 people in comfort
This spacious detached traditional villa has accommodation on 2 levels. The villa has 6 bedrooms, comprising 3
double beds and 2 twin bedrooms and 1 single bedroom. There are 3 bathrooms, 2 with bath and 1 with a shower
only. There is a fully fitted kitchen, a dining room, a living room, a balcony and a veranda to enjoy the southern sun.
There is a garage and plenty of off road private parking.This high quality villa with it's garden and beautiful
swimming pool make it an ideal place to spend a holiday to remember. Outside: the private swimming pool is 11m x
8m and there is a large garden with garden furniture and sun loungers , BBQ and terrace.
Available and price confirmed :-)
House for holiday rentals France, Neffies
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.golanguedoc.com/accommodation/languedoc-roussillon/pezenas/house-for-holiday-rentals-france-neffies/details.html
£1,957
12
£196
Nice traditional french house, spacious, and a sauna!
This house for holiday rentals France, is situated in the picturesque village of Neffies, just 15 minutes from the
historic town of Pezenas and 35 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches. This large character property offers
250m² of living space on 2 levels. It has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and can accommodate up to 12 people in
comfort. This long term property rental in South France also comes with a large swimming pool (10m x 5m) and a
large terrace which provide fantastic views over the village and vineyards beyond. Neffies is a lovely little village
situated between the vineyards and the start of the Black Mountains. There is a great little restaurant/bar in the
centre of the village which provides decent food and live music through the summer.
Available and price confirmed :-)
Montagnac holiday villa Languedoc with pool
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
http://www.golanguedoc.com/accommodation/languedoc-roussillon/meze/holiday-villa-languedoc-with-pool/details.html
£2,448
14
£245
Big house & separate gite too. Big pool, terrrace etc. Near beaches/harbour
This holiday villa in Languedoc, South France, is located in the village of Montagnac which is surrounded by vineyards
and is just a short drive to the Mediterranean coast. Montagnac is situated in between the historic town of Pezenas
and the harbour town of Meze with it's beach and fish restaurants. This holiday villa in Languedoc can be rented
with 7 bedrooms for 14 people or 5 bedrooms for 10 people. The property has lovely grounds with secure gates, a
large swimming pool (12mx 6m) and a large terrace for Summer dining.
In a separate gite there are a further 2 double bedrooms, small lounge and bathroom with w.c. A fridge and sink
useful for pool side drinks.
Outside - terrace with seating, 12x6m pool depth 1m - 2.20m, roman steps, fenced and gated, large grill/BBQ, gated
entrance, garden. Private garage parking for 4 cars.
Price
Sleeps
Per Adult
£0
Best places to go swimming in South of France
If you are staying in the South of France on holiday this summer and you do not have the luxury of your own private pool, then you maybe interested in
finding some great places to cool off from the hot South of France sun. Whether it be lakes or cool mountain rivers, or even outdoor pools in towns,
the South of France has an abundance of good places for swimming. There is no need to rent a villa with a pool, just follow our guidelines for the best
places to go swimming in the South of France.
1.) Sights - Pont du Gard
Just under this famous Roman aqueduct there is a rocky beach and nice cool river. There is plenty of parking in the
Visitor centre car park (on the Northern side of the river) or you can take your luck along the road on the Southern side of
the river. The Pont du Gard is located north-west of Nimes, close to the lovely town of Uzes.
2.) River - Gorge du Verdon
In France's equivalent of the Grand Canyon, you will find a turquoise blue river with plenty of shade from the surrounding
cliffs. Hiring a canoe is an obvious choice as you can then paddle along the River Verdon to find a secluded river beach
to base yourself. The Canyon is about 25 kilometres long and up to 700 metres deep. The most impressive part of the
canyon can be found between the towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The Gorge du Verdon is located in
the very north of the Var department, approximately 40kms north-west of Dragignan and 1.5 hours west of Cannes and
Nice
3.) Lakes - Barrage des Olivettes, Vailhan, Herault
This little lake close to Roujan in Herault was a life-saver for us. If you are fed up of the beach and you want to find a safe
place for a cool swim, then Barrage des Olivettes in the village of Vailhan is the answer to your prayers. To find the
Barrage des Olivettes, you take a little track from the village of Roujan (which seemingly takes hours, but is only 5kms).
By the time that you reach Vailhan you feel that you are at the end of the world. There are a number of picnic spots, but
you probably need to arrive at dawn to grab one of the picnic tables. There is also an excellent restaurant here called
L'Auberge du Presbytère.
4.) Sights - Restaurant Les Endroits, Pezenas, Herault
Yes, a restaurant!! Situated close to the bridge over the river in Pezenas, Les Endroits, is a cool place to go for a swim.
The restaurant has a large swimming pool with a pool side bar. Entrance is free, all you need to do is to buy a drink, take
a table, unpack your towel and then dive into the pool.
5.) Lakes - Lac du Salagou
Lake Salagou is like marmite, you either love it or you can't see what all the fuss is all about. Personally, I am in the last
category. I just don't get it. But lots of people adore Salagou. People come and spend their holidays nearby. Indeed the
teacher of my eldest son even wrote a song about Salgou! It is a good spot for windsurfing and sailing and there is a
good half day cycle trail around the shore. You will find Lake Salagou close to the town of Clermont d'Hearault, just off the
A75.
6.) Lakes - Pont du Diable
This is one of my favourite spots in South France. Just below the lovely village of St Guilhem le Desert, the river Herault
has been partially dammed forming a small lake. From the banks of the lake you can take out a canoe and paddle up the
ravine under the Pont du Diable. You just need to be careful to avoid the crazy teenagers hurling themselves 30 foot
down off the small road bridge into the river below. In the last few years a lot of money has been spent developing the
surrounding area, including providing a large car park, a lovely visitor centre (where you can grab a cool beer and ice
cream) and a life guard look out post. We like to get to the lake for mid-afternoon and then head up to St Guilhem around
8.00pm for a Pizza in the square above the village. Pont du Diable is located 35kms north-west of Montpellier on the D27
between the villages of Aniane and St Guilhem le Desert. The nearest landmark is the Grotte de Clamouse underground
cave centre.
7.) Swimming pool - Le Grande Bleu
La Grande Motte may not be everybody's cup of tea, but there is no denying that the public pool complex in the resort is
excellent. With a wave machine, lazy river and water slides, this pool complex has it all. You can sunbathe all day beside
the pool, have a picnic in the adjoining shaded area, cool off in the pool when required - and all for about €5 per day.
8.) Rivers - St Jean du Gard
On the River Gardon in between the towns of St Jean du Gard and Anduze, close to the village of Mialet, you will find a
wonderful sone bridge designed by Monsieur Eiffel (of the Paris Tower fame). Underneath the river there are plenty of
places to swim and paddle in the cool water.
9.) Outdoor pool - Pezenas
This place was another life-saver for our family during our first summer in France. This outdoor pool in the town of
Pezenas is an excellent place for the family and it costs virtually nothing to get in. There are three pools - one for todlers,
one for kids (and rather lazy adults) and a full 25m exercise pool. You will find the pool by following directions to the
Complexe Sportif.
10.) Sights - Roquebrun
Roquebrun is one of the prettiest villages in Languedoc. Perched on the edge of the river Orb and framed by a giant
rocky spur behind, Roquebrun is a great place to spend an afternoon. The river is slow-flowing and there is a little weir
that you can slide down (our kids normally go down head first, but there again they are mad little buggers!!). Roquebrun
is located close to Saint Chinian, 25mins north-west of Beziers.
11.) Canoeing - Vallon Pont d'Arc du Ardeche
The Vallon Pont d'Arc on the Ardeche river is an instantly recognizable landmark. This 30m high rocky arch which has
been eroded out by the river from the rock provides an excellent base for canoeing, swimming and a river-side picnic.
But be careful, the river is quite fast flowing and full of rocks. We arrived too late to hire a canoe here with our boys and
we were very glad that we were. When we saw the people trying to navigate the rapids (unsuccessfully!!) we were rather
pleased that we just elected for a quite paddle. It is not white water rafting style rapids, but it is not a quite paddle along
the river either. Still the adrenelin junkies will love it. Vallon Pont d'Arc is located close to the town of Vallon. Vallon Pont
d'Arc is located 1 hour north-west of Orange in the Ardeche department.
12.) Waterfalls - Gorges d'Heric
Well I say waterfalls. You will only really find these active in the winter (when you would have to be deranged to consider
swimming in the river). In the summer, the the waterfalls give way to little rock pools that are perfect for swimming in.
Some of the pools are deep enough for jumping in from the nearby rocks (although for diving please see comments in
relation to swimming in the river in winter!!). The Gorge de Heric is located in the heart of the Languedoc National Park,
close to the town of Lamalou-les-Bains and in between the villages of Le Poujol sur Orb and Olargues on the D908.
There is a car park at the bottom of the Gorge (near the village of Mons-la-Trivalle).
13.) Lakes - Lake Montbel
Located in between the beautiful town of Mirepoix and Limoux, you will find this amazing lake. The water is the brighest
turqoise you will ever see. Lake Montbel is a centre for windsurfing. It also has a kiosk where you can hire pedalos
(complete with water slides on the back. There is also a nice little beach-side shack where you can get a cheeky little
beer or a cup of coffee. The nearest village to Montbel is Chalabre. If you are heading out this way, make sure you go on
a Monday and take in the excellent market at Mirepoix. Well worth the stop off. Montbel is 30 minutes due south of
Carcassonne in the beautiful Arriege countryside.